Thorax Flashcards
(29 cards)
What does the head of a typical rib contain?
2 facets: one for the corresponding vertebrae and another for the vertebrae above.
What is the role of the neck in a rib?
Connects the head with the body.
What is the function of the tubercle on a rib?
Contains a rough tubercle for articulation with the transverse process of corresponding vertebrae.
Describe the shaft/body of a rib.
Flat and curved with an internal groove for neurovascular supply.
What are the key parts of the sternum?
Manubrium, body, and xyphoid process.
How does the upper part of the sternum articulate?
With the manubrium at the sternal angle.
What articulates with the xyphoid process?
The body of the sternum and the 7th rib.
Where is the xyphoid process located?
At the level of T10 vertebrae.
What is the significance of the suprasternal notch?
It is located at the lower border of T2.
What anatomical structures cross the sternal angle?
- 2nd costal cartilage
- Lower border of T4
- Bifurcation of the trachea
- Azygos vein enters SVC
- Aortic arch begins and ends.
What is the clinical relevance of the manubriosternal joint?
Slight movements at this joint are essential for rib movements.
What is pectus excavacum?
Anomaly where the sternum is depressed due to abnormal cartilage growth.
What are the boundaries of the inferior aperture of the thorax?
- Anteriorly: xyphoid process
- Posteriorly: T12 vertebrae
- Sides: last 6 costal cartilages and last rib.
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
Compression of subclavian artery and first thoracic nerve leading to pain and numbness.
What is the thoracic cage also known as?
The skeleton of the thorax.
What is the shape of the thoracic cage?
Resembles a truncated cone, narrow above and broad below.
What is a cervical rib?
An extra rib that forms above the 1st rib, occurring in about 0.5% of subjects.
What are the types of ribs based on their articulation?
- True ribs (1-7)
- False ribs (8-10)
- Floating ribs (11-12).
What characterizes atypical ribs?
Different anatomical features, such as rib 1 being shorter and wider.
What is the primary curve of the vertebral column?
Concave anterior and convex posterior, present in thoracic and sacral regions.
What causes kyphosis?
Excessive thoracic curvature leading to hunchback deformity.
What structures articulate between vertebrae?
- Intervertebral disc
- Laminae via ligamenta flava
- Transverse processes via intertransverse ligament.
What is the vertebral canal content?
- Spinal cord
- Cauda equina
- Meninges
- Internal vertebral venous plexus.
What defines the vertebral foramen?
The opening between the body and neural arch of a vertebra.
